The Ex-Wives

by Jenna Kernan

Pub Date: 10 Oct 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 9 Oct 2022

My Recommendation

 

Elana believes she has made the best decision in her life for her and her daughter, Phoebe.  She has met the man of her dreams, Jackson.  However, she is warned by his 2 ex-wives that Jackson is dangerous.  Plus the major fact that his 2 step daughters have gone missing.  Even the FBI pay the house a visit to speak to Jackson.  Jackson is a master manipulator and verbally abusive, ascertaining his power and authority over Elana and using Phoebe to control her.  However, Jackson is Mayor and his brothers are also well respected in the local town.  
Elana knows she must leave Jackson, but he has made it clear he would kill her.  A powerful struggle throughout, knowing she cannot trust anyone close to her.  You are left willing Elana on, hoping she makes the break.

 

Hidden Scars (Detective Kim Stone Book 17)

by Angela Marsons

Pub Date: 9 Nov 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 9 Oct 2022

My Recommendation

 

DI Kim Stone returns to work after recuperating from her previous near death investigation.  She is stunned to see the DI that failed to protect her is now leading her team.  They seem timid and actively discouraged from investigating a recent suicide.  But Kim wont allow Jamie’s death to be swept aside without proper investigation.  She gains control of the team again and soon links Jamie’s death with another murder, made to look a suicide.  Plus they were both gay and attended a clinic to cure their sexuality.  Kim is appalled such a clinic exists and goes to all lengths to see what happens behind closed doors.  
Another fast paced, gripping book.  Kim, Bryant, Penn and Stacy are a close knit team and obviously missed each other in Kim’s absence.  Great to have them back in action, righting the wrongs.

 

Picture You Dead

by Peter James

Pub Date: 29 Sep 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 7 Oct 2022

My Recommendation

 

Harry and Freya always hope to find a hidden gem at a car boot sale.  When Harry buys a painting for its frame, it turns out he could have a missing part of a series by a Master.  Soon life spirals out of control and Harry is targeted by a criminal determined to have this painting for himself.  DI Grace investigates a body outside an art dealers house and the 2 investigations turn out to be linked.
Quite a slow burning start, laying out the details and characters, but Peter James never disappoints with another cracker.  Great to have Grace back, still grieving his newly found son, Bruno.  Already looking forward to the next book!

 

The Millionaire's Wife

by Shalini Boland

Pub Date: 19 Sep 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 16 Sep 2022

My Recommendation

 

Anna seems to have the perfect live.  Then one day she receives an email with a shocking photo and message attached.  A woman has been killed and she know exactly who did it.  And Anna is now in danger.
I was expecting so much with this book after reading the blurb and even the beginning was gripping.  Then I feel the story went outside the realms that  fiction allows.  Quite implausible, and I found myself skim reading just to get to the end.  3 stars.

 

The Night Whispers

by Caroline Mitchell

Pub Date: 28 Jul 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 Sep 2022

My Recommendation

 

Detective Sarah Noble is back to investigate the murders of mother and son in Slayton which match the circumstances of an urban myth of two black-eyed children killing people in the night, with fear frozen on their faces.  The murder toll quickly raises and the time is ticking for Sarah to solve the mystery and catch the killer.
More of a slow burner compared to The Midnight Man, but an enjoyable read.  Can’t wait for the next instalment in the macabre town of 
Slayton!

 

The Inheritance

by Howard Linskey

Pub Date: 29 Sep 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 Sep 2022

My Recommendation

 

Sarah is an up and coming author, trying to work on her book deadline.  Her Aunt Evelyn, a world famous author, passes away, leaving Sarah her mansion, one one condition…she has to solve a 30+ year old mystery to earn the inheritance. 
Sarah moves into the mansion and has a mixed welcome party for the housekeeper and gardener.  Sarah is determined to find out what happen to Aunt Evelyn’s close friend Lucy, who lived in the mansion prior to Evelyn and went missing without a trace.
I really warmed to Sarah’s character and willed her on to solve the mystery.  Another truly gripping read from Howard Linskey, and highly recommended.

 

THE DRIFT

by C. J. Tudor

Pub Date: 20 Jan 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 Sep 2022

My Recommendation

 

A coach of students crashed in the mountains in a snow drift, and a cablecar of passengers are stranded in a snowstorm.  All are heading to The Retreat.  At The Retreat, reserves are low and possibly being stolen, something is not right with threats inside and outside. 
A gripping Tarrentino style book, which when it comes together will blow your mind.  Another C.J. Tudor masterpiece.